Don't be embarrassed to discuss side effects of medications

UPDATED 3:41 PM EST Jan 31, 2013

(NewsUSA) - Do you or someone you know take a medication to alleviate a condition like chronic pain, or perhaps to treat high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Well, while treating your issue, the medication may also cause a side effect that many of us don't want to talk about... constipation.

Constipation is really not that unusual, so you don't have to feel embarrassed to talk about it with your doctor or pharmacist. According to Registered Pharmacist Jim Morelli, "Many people are unaware that their prescription, as well as some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, can cause occasional constipation."

The list of culprits include certain products from classes of medications such as analgesics, high blood pressure medications, and high-cholesterol drugs. Occasional constipation can be uncomfortable, but there should be no shame in discussing this condition with your healthcare provider. It's important to talk to your doctor about any side effects that you may experience while taking prescription or over-the-counter products.

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